With Loyola serving as a gauge for the level of play the Redondo boys volleyball team aspires to reach, the Sea Hawks could at least console themselves with the notion that they are getting closer.

After a two-game tournament loss to the Cubs earlier in the month, Redondo nearly pulled off an upset of the defending CIF Southern Section Division I champions Friday night before falling in five games, 25-17, 20-25, 21-25, 25-17, 15-10, in a nonleague match at Loyola.

Game 2 is where the Sea Hawks found their groove and showed their ability to battle. The second game was tied nine times as the teams exchanged points until a Loyola service error put Redondo ahead for good at 10-9. Six Cubs service errors combined with big kills late in the contest by Butler, Mather and Theunissen secured the win.

The Sea Hawks took the early lead in Game 3, but had to come from behind thanks to a Loyola attack led by middles Robert Feathers and Ryan Zoppi, who consistently came up with kills or blocks when the Cubs needed them most. A four-point Redondo run evened the score at 17 and the Sea Hawks held on for the win clinched with an ace by Nick Williamson.

Loyola responded with its most dominant showing of the night in Game 4. The Cubs led throughout, pulling ahead by as much as 10 for their largest lead of the match by either team.

“It was an unbelievable battle. Both teams battled when they needed to. We knew they were going to be a difficult team. They came out ready to play. It was tougher than the last time we played them.”

Alex Slaught had a team-high 14 kills for the Cubs. Nick Porterfield added 12 kills, and the 6-foot-8 Feathers finished with nine kills and six blocks.

Michael Mullahey and Mirick combined for 52 assists.

“Our passing broke down a little bit and they just blocked us better,” Avery said. “We couldn’t stop their big guys. …

“They’re very solid. We battled hard. I’m proud of our effort. There’s no shame in losing to a team like that. There’s a reason they’re this good. It was a good test for us, and we were right there. I’d love to see ’em again in playoffs.”

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